The Elephant's ball and grand fête champêtre : a facsimile reproduction of the edition of 1807

PRICE ONE SHILLING.

THE

JSJLKJPJHLAJNT'S BAM,

AND

Grand Fete Chcvnipetre:

INTENDED AS

A COMPANION TO THOSE MUCH ADMIRED PIECES,

THE

BUTTERFLY'S BALL,

AND

THE PEACOCK "'AT HOME."

By W. B.

ILLUSTRATED WITH ELEGANT ENGRAVINGS,

LONDON : Printed for J. HARRIS, Successor to E. NEWBERY,

at the Original Juvenile Library, the Corner

of St. Paul's Church-Yard.

1807.

Printed on Hand-made Paper, bound in characteristic style^
with uncut edges , price Half-a-Croivn^

GOODY TWO-SHOES

A FACSIMILE REPRODUCTION

OF THE

EDITION OF 1766
WITH AN INTRODUCTION

GIVING SOME ACCOUNT OF THE BOOK AND SOME SPECULATIONS
AS TO ITS AUTHORSHIP - .

BY

CHARLES WELSH

"The facsimile of ' Goody Two-Shoes,' which Mr Welsh has
edited, and Messrs Griffith and Farran published, might be classed
among the Christmas books of the season, but it deserves more
extended notice, as reproducing a volume which, if hardly known
to the present generation, ranks among English Classics. Mr
Welsh deserves hearty thanks for the trouble he has taken in pro-'
ducing this neat little volume." — Athenaum.

" We are sure that many who are no longer in their youth will be
pleased to see it,"— Queen.

" A very quaint little book."— Punch.

"Notwithstanding the difficulties of type, the cramped pages
that will not keep open, and the hideous woodcuts so faithfully
reproduced, we have seen more than one child reject the latest
picture book of Mr Caldecott or Kate Greenaway, with its purple
and gold, for the hodden grey of 'Goody Two-Shoes.3 "—Pall Mall
Gazette.

GRIFFITH & FARRAN,

Successors to Ncwbery 6^ Harris,
WEST CORNER OF ST PAUL'S CHURCHYARD, LONDON.

R3T AJc-w copies are done up in «v e.mct rej-rodiiciion* ly kaxd, oftke original flowery
and gilt Dutch patitrn, price Five Shillings.

THE ELEPHANT'S BALL

AND

Grande F£te Champdtre

A FACSIMILE REPRODUCTION

OF THE

EDITION OF 1807

WITH AN INTRODUCTION
BY CHARLES WELSH

GRIFFITH & FARRAN

Successors to Newbery 6° Harris
WEST CORNER OF ST PAUL'S CHURCHYARD, LONDON

FIELD & TUER, YE LEADENHALLE PRESSE, E.G.
MDCCCLXXXIII

INTRODUCTION.

EARLY in the present century John Harris — one of the
successors to the business of " Honest John Newbery,"
now carried on by Messrs Griffith & Farran at the old
corner of St. Paul's Churchyard — began the publication of a
series of little books, which for many years were probably
among the most famous of the productions of the House.
Now, however, according to the fate which usually overtakes
books for children, nearly all of them are forgotten or
unknown.

The first book in this series which was known as Harris's
Cabinet was "The Butterfly's Ball," and was published in
January 1807. This was followed in the same year by "The
Peacock at Home" (a sequel to "The Butterfly's Ball"), " The
Elephant's Ball," and "The Lion's Masquerade;" and then
(prompted no doubt by the success of these, for we learn on
the publisher's authority that of the two first 40,000 copies
were sold within twelve months) Mr Harris brought out a

IV

torrent of little books of a like kind, of which the titles were :
" The Lioness's Ball," " The Lobster's Voyage to the Brazils,"
" The Cat's Concert," " The Fishes' Grand Gala," " Madame
Grimalkin's Party," "The Jackdaw's Home," "The Lion's
Parliament," "The Water King's Levee;" and in 1809, by
which time, naturally enough, the idea seems to have become
quite threshed out and exhausted, the last of the Series was
published; this was entitled, "The Three Wishes, or Think
before you Speak."

Of this long list of books a few of the titles are still familiar,
and one of them, " The Butterfly's Ball," may certainly claim
to have become a Nursery Classic. It is still in regular
demand ; the edition now in sale being illustrated by Harrison
Weir; it has been published in various forms, and has
figured in most of the collections of prose and verse for the
young that have been issued during this century. Probably to
the minds of hundreds of people past middle age few lines are
more familiar than the opening couplet —

" Come take up your hats, and away let us haste
To the Butterfly's Ball and Grasshopper's Feast "•—

and many no doubt by a little effort of memory could repeat
the whole poem.

Hardly less famous were the three books which next

followed in order of issue— "The Peacock at Home," "The
Elephant's Ball," and "The Lion's Masquerade." Their
original size was 5 by 4 inches, and they were issued in a
simple printed paper wrapper. It is of these first four books
that the reprint is here given, and in order to present both
pictures and text with greater effect this reprint has been made
upon considerably larger paper ; the text and illustrations are
fac-simile reproductions of originals from the celebrated Flax-
man collection recently dispersed at a sale by Messrs Christie,
Manson, & Woods, when Mr Tuer, to whom I am indebted
for their loan, became their fortunate possessor. " The Butter
fly's Ball" is not a reproduction of the first edition, which,
as will be shown later on, would be considered by those who
are familiar with the poem as incomplete. Moreover, the
illustrations in the edition here presented are obviously by the
same hand as that which embellished the other three books,
and it was felt that for these reasons it would possess a greater
interest.

"The Butterfly's Ball" first appeared in the November
number of the Gentleman's Magazine, where it is said to have
been written by William Roscoe— M.P. for Liverpool, the
author of "The Life of Leo X.," and well known in the
literary circles of his day — for the use of his children, and set
to music by order of their Majesties for the Princess Mary.

VI

When the verses were subsequently published in book form,
the text and pictures were engraved together on copperplates.
An edition, with pictures on separate pages, appeared early in
the next year, which is the one here reproduced.

In this edition there are many variations from the previous
one. The allusions to " little Robert "—evidently William
Roscoe's son — do not occur in the former, and many slight
improvements, tending to make the verses more rhythmical
and flowing, are introduced. The whole passage, " Then close
on his haunches" (p. 7) to "Chirp his own praises the rest of
the night," &c. (p. 10), is an interpolation in this later edition.
It is, I believe, certain that the verses were written by Roscoe
for his children on the occasion of the birthday of his son
Robert, who was nearly the youngest of his seven sons. No
doubt when they were copied out for setting to music the
allusions to his own family were omitted by the author. A
correspondent of Notes and Queries — who is, I believe, a
niece of the late Sir George Smart — says, in reference to the
question of the setting of the verses to music, that —

" The MS., in Roscoe's own handwriting, as sent to Sir G. Smart for
setting to music, is in a valuable collection of autographs bequeathed by
the musician to his daughter. The glee was written for the three princesses
— Elizabeth, Augusta, and Mary — daughters of George III. and pupils of
Sir George, and was performed by them during one of their usual visits to
Wey mouth."

vii

"The Peacock at Home" and "The Lion's Masquerade"
were, as the title-page puts it, written " by a Lady," and we
should most likely have remained in ignorance as to who the
lady was if there had not been published in 1816 another
little book of a somewhat similar character, entitled " The
Peacock and Parrot on their Tour to discover the Author of
'The Peacock at Home,'" which, the Preface tells us, was
written immediately after the appearance of " The Peacock at
Home," but from various circumstances was laid aside. " In
the opinion of the publishers," the Preface goes on to say, " it
is so nearly allied in point of merit to that celebrated trifle that
it is introduced at this late period."

The book relates in verse how the peacock and parrot —

". . . far as England extends
Then together did travel to visit their friends,
Endeavour to find out the name of our poet,
And ere we return ten to one that we know it."

After long travelling —

" A path strewed with flowers they gaily pursued,
And in fancy their long-sought Incognita viewed.
Till all their cares over in Dorset they found her,
And plucking a wreath of green bay-leaves they crowned her."

In a footnote is added, " Mrs Dorset was the authoress of
'The Peacock at Home/"

Vlll

Mrs Dorset, according to a note by Mr Dyce which appears
on the fly-leaf of a copy of " The Peacock at Home," in the
Dyce and Forster Collection at South Kensington, was sister
to Charlotte Smith. Their maiden name was Turner.

The British Museum Catalogue says Mrs Dorset also wrote
" The Three Wishes, or Think before you Speak," which is the
last on the list of books in Harris's Cabinet. (See p. iv.)

It seems to be clear that the same lady wrote " The Lion's
Masquerade" as "The Peacock at Home," for in "The
Lioness's Ball " (a companion to " The Lion's Masquerade ")
the dedication begins thus —

" I do not, fair Dorset, I do not aspire,
With notes so unhallowed as mine,
To touch the sweet strings of thy beautiful lyre,
Or covet the praise that is thine."

I regret that I am unable to offer any conjecture here as to
the "W. B." who wrote "The Elephant's Ball:" the same
initials appear to an appendix to an edition of " Goody Two
Shoes," published some time before 1780, but this may be a
coincidence only.

Besides the interest and merit of these little books on
literary grounds, these earlier editions are especially note-

IX

worthy because they were illustrated by the painter William
Mulready, and the drawings he made for them are amongst
the earliest efforts of his genius : they were executed before he
had reached man's estate. It is not a little curious to observe
in this connection how many artists who have risen to
eminence have at the outset of their career been employed in
illustrating books for children; it would indeed appear that
until comparatively recent years the veriest tiro was considered
capable of furnishing the necessary embellishments for books
for the nursery — a state of things which, we need not say,
happily does not obtain in the present day. Notwithstanding
this, however, these and many other little books of a bygone
time abound in instructive indications of the beginnings of
genius which has subsequently delighted the world with its
masterpieces.

In connection with Mulready and children's books it may
be interesting to note that in 1806 a little book called "The
Looking Glass " was published, said to be written by William
Godwin under the name of " Theophilus Markliffe." This
work is the history and early adventures of a young artist, and
it is known that it was compiled from a conversation with
Mulready, who was then engaged in illustrating some juvenile
books for the author, and the facts in it relate to the painter's
early life. It contains illustrations of the talent of the subject

done at three, five, and six years old, which are presumed to
be imitations of Mulready's own drawings at the same ages.

I cannot more fitly close these few words of Introduction
than by quoting the quaint and curious announcement with
which Mr Harris was wont to commend these little books to
the public. " It is unnecessary," says he, " for the publisher
to say anything more of these little productions than that they
have been purchased with avidity and read with satisfaction
by persons in all ranks of life." No doubt the public of to-day
will be curious to see what manner of book it was that was so
eagerly sought after by the children of the early days of the
present century, and interested in comparing it with the more
finished but often showy and sensational productions of our
own time. C. W.

LEYTONSTONE,

September 1883.

THE

ELEPHANT'S BALL,

AND

Grand Fete Champetre.

Intended as a COMPANION to those much admired PIECES,

THE BUTTERFLY'S BALL,

AND

THE PEACOCK "AT HOME."

ILLUSTRATED WITH ELEGANT ENGRAVINGS.
BY W. B.

LONDON :

PRINTED FOR J. HARRIS, SUCCESSOR TO E. NEWBERY, AT THE

ORIGINAL JUVENILE LIBRARY THE CORNER OF

ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD.

1807.

Field & Tuer, Ye Leadenhalle Presse, London.

THE

ELEPHANT'S BALL,

AND

Grand Fete Champetre.
$c. $c.

1 HE insects and birds, with the balls and their feasts
Caus'd much conversation among all the beasts :
The Elephant, famous for sense as for size,
At such entertainments express'd much surprise

Says he, " shall these impudent tribes of the air,

" To break our soft slumbers thus wantonly dare ?

" Shall these petty creatures, us beasts far below,

" Exceed us in consequence, fashion, and show ?

" Forbid it, true dignity, honour and pride ! —

" A grand rural f§te I will shortly provide,

" That for pomp, taste, and splendor, shall far leave behind,

" All former attempts of a similar kind."

The Buffalo, Bison, Elk, Antelope, Pard,

All heard what he spoke, with due marks of regard.

A number of messengers quickly he sent
To the beasts, far and near, to make known his intent.
The place he designed for the scene of his plan,
Was a valley remote from the dwellings of man :
Well guarded with mountains, embellish'd with trees,
And furnish'd with rivers, that flow'd to the seas.
Here first came the Lion so gallant and strong,
Well known by his main that is shaggy and long ;
The Jackall, his slave, followed close in his rear,
Resolv'd the good things with his master to share.

6

The Leopard came next — a gay sight to the eye,

— With his coat spotted over — like stars in the sky—

The Tiger his system of slaughter declin'd,

At once, a good supper and pleasure to find.

The bulky Rhinoceros, came with his bride ;

Well arm'd with his horn, and his coat of mail hide.

Then came the Hyena, whose cries authors say,

Oft lead the fond traveller out of his way,

Whom quickly he seizes and renders his prey.

The Wolf hasten'd hither, that Ruffian so bold,

Who kills the poor sheep, when they stray from the fold.

The Bear having slept the long winter away,
Arriv'd, from the north, to be merry and gay.
The Panther ferocious — the Lynx of quick sight,
The Preacher* and Glutton* came hither that night.
The Camel, so often with burthens opprest,
Was glad for a while from his labour to rest.
The Sloth, when invited, got up with much pain,
Just groan'd out, " Ah, No ! " and then laid down again.
The Fox, near the hen-roost, no longer kept watch,
But hied to the feast, better viands to catch.
* Wild Beasts of that name.

8

The Monkey, so cunning, and full of his sport,
To show All his Talents came to this resort.
The Dog and Grimalkin* from service released,
Expected good snacks, at the end of the feast :
The first at the gate, as a centinel stood ;
The last kept the Rats and the Mice from the food.
The crowd of strange quadrupeds seen at the ball,
'Twere tedious and needless to mention them all ;
To shorten the story, suffice it to say
Some scores, nay some hundreds, attended that day.
* The Cat.

9

But most of the tame and domestical kind,
For fear of some stratagem, tarried behind.
Due caution is prudent ! but laws had been made-
No Beast, on that night, should another invade.
Before we go farther, 'tis proper to state,
Each female was asked to attend with her mate ;
Of these, many came to this fete of renown,
But some were prevented by causes well known.
Now Sol had retir'd to the ocean to sleep :
The Guests had arriv'd their gay vigils to keep—
Their hall was a lawn, of sufficient extent,
Well skirted with trees, the rude winds to prevent

10

The thick-woven branches deep curtains displayed ;
And heaven's high arch a grand canopy made.
Some thousands of lamps, fix'd to poplars were seen,
That shone most resplendent, red, yellow, and green.
When forms, introductions, and such were gone through,
'Twas quickly resolv'd the gay dance to pursue ;
The musical band, on a terrace appearing,
Perform'd many tunes that enchanted the hearing ;
The Ape, on the haut-boy much science display'd —
The Monkey the fiddle delightfully play'd —
The Orang-Outang touch'd the harp with great skill,
The Ass beat the drum, with effect and good will,
And the Squirrel kept ringing his merry bells still.

s ' <^

11

The Elephant, stately, majestic, and tall,
With Cousin Rhinoceros open'd the ball —
With dignified mien the two partners advanced,
And the De la Cour minuet gracefully danc'd.
The Lion and Unicorn, beasts of great fame,
With much admiration, accomplish'd the same.
The Tiger and Leopard, an active young pair,
Perform'd a brisk jig, with an excellent air.
Next Bruin * stood up with a good natur'd smile,
And caper'd a horn-pipe, in singular style,

With a staff in his paws, and erect all the while.
* The Bear.

12

The Fox, Wolf, and Panther, their humours to please,
Danc'd three-hand'd reels with much spirit and ease.
A few tried cotillions, and such like French fancies,
But most of them join'd in John Bull's country dances.
Some beasts were not us'd to these violent motions,
And some were too old or too grave in their notions ;
Of these a great many diverted their hours
With whist, lue, backgammon, quadrille or all-fours.
Much time being spent in these pleasing diversions,
A motion was made to remit their exertions :
For supper was waiting ; which, on this occasion,
Was managed with skill, and exact regulation.

13

The bosom of earth a firm table supply'd —

The cloth was green grass, with gay flow'rets bedy'd ;

The various utensils by nature were cast,

And suited completely this antique repast.

The generous host had provided great plenty,

To suit various palates, of every dainty.

Some scores of fat oxen were roasted entire,

For those whose keen stomachs plain beef might require.

Profusion of veal, nice lamb, and good mutton,

To tickle the taste of each more refin'd glutton —

Abundance offish, game and poultry, for those

Whose epicure palates such niceties chose.

14

Ripe fruits and rich sweet meats were serv'd, in great store,

Of which much remain'd when the banquet was o'er ;

For, as to mild foods of the vegetive kind,

Few guests at the table to these were inclin'd ;

Rare hap for such persons as travell'd that way,

By chance or design, on the following day.

On wine and strong spirits few chose to regale.

As most were accustom'd to Adam's old ale.

When supper was ended, and each happy guest

Had freely partaken of what he lov'd best ;

Of toasts and of sentiments various were giv'n ;

As " Health to our Host, and the Land that we live in."

15

The former was drank with huzzas, three-times-three,

Which echo repeated with rapturous glee.

Now mirth and good humour pervaded the throng,

And each was requested to furnish a song,

Which many comply'd with ; but such as deny'd,

Some whimsical laughable story supply'd.

The Lion, " Britannia Rule," sung mighty well :

The Tiger, " in English Roast Beef," did excel.

While others made all the wide valley to ring,

With " Nile's Glorious Battle," and " God Save the King."

16

In such good amusements the evening they past,
Till Aurora appear'd to the eastward at last :
When back to their homes, they return'd one and all,
Well pleas'd with the sports at the Elephant's Ball.

W. B.

PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION

The Looking Glass for the Mind :
An Intellectual Mirror.

BEING AN ELEGANT COLLECTION OF THE MOST
DELIGHTFUL STORIES AND INTERESTING TALES,

CHIEFLY TRANSLATED FROM THAT MUCH ADMIRED WORK

"L'AMI DES ENFANS."
A Reprint of the Edition oj 1792 ;

Printed with the Actual Wood-Blocks of the Illustrations

Drawn and Engraved for it by BEWICK,

With a Preface by CHARLES WELSH.

Crown 8vo, in Antique Style,
Price Seven Shillings and Sixpence.

A Few Copies will be Printed on Large Hand-Made paper \

The Cuts Printed on China Paper,
and Mounted in the Text, Price Fifteen Shillings.

GRIFFITH & FARRAN,

Successors to Nfwbery & Harris^
WEST CORNER OF ST PAUL'S CHURCHYARD, LONDON,

OF

be had

THE PEACOCK "AT HOME!'

A SEQUEL TO

THE BUTTERFLY'S BALL,

Price One Shilling plain, and Eighteen-pence coloured j
AND

THE BUTTERFLY'S BALL,

AND THE

GRASSHOPPERS FEAST,

Price One Shilling plain, and Eighteen-pence colound ;

// is unnecessary for the Publisher to say any thing
more of the above little productions^ than that they have
been purchased with avidity, and read with satisfaction,
by persons in all ranks of life: he has only to hope that
the present Production will be equally acceptable.

AT THE JUVENILE LIBRARY,

Corner of St. Paul's,

MANY SIMILAR PUBLICATIONS,
BOTH INNOCENT AND AMUSING,

ARE ALWAYS ON SALE.

to due dau

Desk

Mow

y.c.

^KELPy,

®s